Family of Missing Autistic Teen Gripped by Waning Hope as Forensic Results Awaited

Human remains were discovered during the search for Shamar Harrigan, a missing autistic teen six months ago.

With no definitive answer about his fate, his family is gradually losing hope and reluctantly accepting the possibility of his death.

Harrigan, 19 years old, was last seen on November 14, 2022, and extensive searches were conducted both by air and land.

A reward of $5,000 was offered by Sir Robin Yearwood, the Member of Parliament for St. Philip’s North, in hopes of obtaining valuable information.

The family had reported that Harrigan had left home and required medication for his well-being. Despite their efforts, the searches yielded no results.

However, in December 2022, during one of the searches, human remains and some of Harrigan’s personal belongings, including clothes, shoes, and a backpack matching his last known items, were discovered south of the Willikies salt pond.

Samples were sent overseas to confirm the identity of the body, a process that has historically taken up to a year.

Anxiously awaiting the forensic results, the family expressed their desire for closure. They have been in contact with the forensic expert, who assured them of their commitment to expedite the process.

In May, Harrigan’s sister, Shauntelle Barton, shared in an interview that her family, particularly her mother, is gradually accepting the likelihood that the remains found are those of Shamar.

However, they still await official confirmation.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin provided a glimmer of hope by mentioning the imminent establishment of a local laboratory, which would eliminate the long wait times associated with sending samples overseas.

A suitable location has already been chosen, and the lab is expected to be operational within a month or so.

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